The highly anticipated Jets whiteout parties at Bell MTS Place have been a staple for Winnipeg hockey fans during playoff season. However, this year, attendees have been met with higher ticket prices and a smaller crowd size. The changes have left many fans wondering what has caused these adjustments and how it will ultimately impact the overall party experience. In this article, we will explore the factors behind the changes and what it means for Jets fans.
This year, fans attending the Winnipeg Jets’ home playoff games will have to pay $10 for admission to the downtown street parties. The parties will take place on Donald Street between Portage and Graham avenues and will have a capacity of 5,000 people. Attendees will have access to food and alcohol vendors, as well as Jets merchandise. In addition to the downtown party, fans can attend the Party in the Plaza near the Dale Hawerchuk statue in True North Square for $20. This event is limited to 1,000 people. Half of the revenue from ticket sales will go to local agencies focused on homelessness, mental health, and addiction.
Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of venues and entertainment for True North Sports and Entertainment, stated that admission will help control the crowd size and alleviate pressure on partners and neighbors. In the past, the nine street parties drew an estimated 120,000 fans, flooding the streets and plazas. In response, True North charged $5 for admission and limited the capacity to 15,000 people per party in 2019. However, with the construction of True North Square, this year’s event promises to provide a more comfortable and safe gathering while still maintaining a fun atmosphere.
Tickets for both parties go on sale through Ticketmaster on April 17 at 10 a.m. While this year’s playoff series marks the first since True North Square’s construction, Donnelly suggests that the team will revisit the issue if the Jets make a deep run in the playoffs. Other NHL cities have fixed event capacities for outdoor events, and Winnipeg’s 5,000 person limit seeks to strike a balance between safety and excitement.
As the Jets whiteout parties continue to evolve, one thing is for sure – they remain an integral part of Winnipeg’s hockey culture. While the higher ticket prices and smaller crowd may have dampened the atmosphere, it’s important to remember that these changes were made for good reasons. The Jets are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans, and the adjustments to the whiteout parties are a reflection of that commitment. As always, the passion and pride of Winnipeg fans will shine through, whether it’s at a packed whiteout party or cheering on the Jets from home. Go Jets Go!
